Experts have begun excavating the ruins of New Place, Shakespeare’s former home in Stratford-upon-Avon, which was demolished 250 years ago.

Although little remains of the property, the team, led by Birmingham Archaeology, believes it has identified a rubbish tip or cesspit used by the 16th century poet.

Fragments of pottery and broken clay pipe have already been retrieved from a muddy hole on the site, which they claim could yield some of the most significant discoveries about Shakespeare in decades.

The dig focuses on three areas of the property, which Shakespeare bought in 1597 when he returned to his home town from London having achieved fame – including the so-called knot garden at the rear of the building.

Dr Diana Owen, Director of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which owns the site, said: “We do not know if the knot garden was an area used by Shakespeare – it may have been a yard simply used by his servants.

“But this could actually yield some fantastic results, especially if it was an area where rubbish was thrown or the cesspit was located.”

Kevin Colls, from Birmingham Archaeology, added: “Through documentary evidence we know Shakespeare lived at New Place but we have very little information regarding the layout of the house and gardens at this time.

“Through archaeological fieldwork, in particular the excavation of structural remains and the recovery of artefacts, we hope to fill in the blanks.

“Even the smallest sherd of broken pottery has the potential for giving us tantalising glimpses into the life of Shakespeare such as what he liked to eat and drink.”

Until October, visitors will be able to watch archaeologists and volunteers at work as they excavate the remains of the house, which was knocked down in 1759.

Experts hope to unearth evidence to support theories that Shakespeare wrote many of his most famous works at the property.

Paul Edmondson, head of education at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: "This excavation may help rewrite our view of Shakespeare.

"We know he owned property in London, but we don't know that he was ever anything except a lodger there. Why, after he bought this splendid house and installed his family there, when he had somewhere to keep the books he needed and somewhere peaceful to work, why would he not have come back here to write?

“My belief is that he became a literary commuter, in London whenever he had to be, living and working in Stratford the rest of the time.”